Key Points
- To evaluate the current educational structure, training requirements, and certification practices for interventional cardiac electrophysiology across European Society of Cardiology member countries.
- A survey-based investigation conducted by the EHRA Young EP Committee between November 2017 and May 2018 across 37 contacted national ambassadors.
- Questionnaires gathered data on medical education duration, cardiology and electrophysiology training characteristics, research requirements, international training rates, and certification requirements from 31 responding countries (84% response rate).
- The mean age at completion of cardiology training was 31.6 years, and the mean duration of electrophysiology (EP) training was 2.5 ± 1.1 years.
- Structured EP and cardiac pacing training programs were available in only 49% of surveyed countries, with a mean of 10 ± 31 accredited training centers per country.
- Post-training certification was mandatory in only 19% of countries (all by national societies), yet 72% of trainees voluntarily undertook certification exams.
Structured PICO
PPopulation31 EHRA Young EP National Ambassadors representing 31 ESC member countries
OOutcomeInformation on educational EP training in ESC member countries and the need of certification after completing the EP training
There is considerable heterogeneity across ESC member countries regarding access to and characteristics of EP training, highlighting the need for harmonized training and certification requirements.